Georgia Town Raises Nearly $4,000 Off of Saggy Pants Fines

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Authorities in Albany, Ga. may have found a solution to the national economic crisis.

The answer? Fine people with laughably bad fashion sense that borderlines on “indecent exposure.”

On Nov. 23 of last year, the city of Albany instituted a ban on anyone wearing pants (or skirts) more than three inches below the hips.

The first saggy-pants ordinance violator less than nine months ago started a cash flow to the city, reports the Albany Herald

Under the ordinance “the municipal court shall have the same authority as the superior court to enforce obedience to its orders, judgments and sentences.”

“The Municipal Court advises that 187 citations have been issued and fines collected of $3,916.49,” since the ordinance went into effect Nov. 23 says City Attorney Nathan Davis.

First-time offenders must pay a $25 fine. On subsequent offenses, the fine can run as high as $200.

Considering that the Albany Police Department is averaging more than 20 citations a month for the indecent exposure saggy pants ordinance, it is possible the rest of the year could add another $1,500 to the city’s general fund pot, reports the Herald.

Although the ordinance prohibits arrest or imprisonment for violations, it can impose 40 hours of community service to be completed in lieu of fines.

Disregarding polite society is not a constitutional right.

The inhabitants of Albany are not only spared the uninvited parade of drawers, but they will also have clean roads.

Doesn’t sound like a bad deal.

But wait! There’s more!

Albany is not alone among the cities that want to do away with the pants-around-the-ankle look. It has been reported that other cities in Georgia including Dublin, Hawkinsville, Plains, and Rome have similar ordinances or are considering them.

Furthermore, other states such as Florida, Virginia and Louisiana also have cities with the ban or are considering a ban, according to the website USATODAY.com.

If this trend were to catch on, then towns and cities across the nation could generate the revenue they need to operate and at the same time instruct fashion-challenged citizens on the benefits of wearing a belt.